As Governor, it is indeed an honour to be Patron of the celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of the Royal Anguilla Police Force.
For half a century, the Royal Anguilla Police Force has been a constant presence as guardians of our public safety, protecting the citizens of Anguilla and maintaining the security of our shores.
The theme of Police Week this year is ‘Making a difference, 50 years of service to the community’. Whether out on the streets, working face to face with the communities they serve, or behind the scenes delivering a range of specialist services, the collective efforts of the rank and file of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, continue to make a difference. It is important to recognise that it is not an easy task, officers often face conflict and danger in carrying out their duties, but it is a rewarding career, and when I speak to individual officers, it is clear that it is a career of purpose and pride.
With the experience gained from five decades of dedicated public service, it is a pivotal time for the Royal Anguilla Police Force to reflect on the successes and challenges of the past while at the same time looking to secure a bright future for policing in Anguilla.
Over the last 50 years, technology and modern advances have vastly changed the context of policing, and certainly, within the last two years, the pandemic provided a significantly changed context, requiring the Royal Anguilla Police Force to innovate in the recruitment of Special Constables and to collaborate with Health colleagues in protecting the health of our nation.
In spite of this evolving context, one constant has remained. A key part of the work of the Royal Anguilla Police Force must continue to focus on building relationships with the communities they serve.
Crime prevention, and the protection of all citizens including those most vulnerable is a huge task that demands police collaboration with citizens of all ages, socio-economic standing and backgrounds. Whilst the Royal Anguilla Police Force continue to be responsive, the Commissioner and I, share a priority of working to put the Force in a position to be more preventative through stronger community based policing. We are increasingly concerned to see a growing trend of young Anguillians carrying weapons. All of us must work together to tackle the cause of this trend. Reaching out to Anguilla’s youth in new and innovative ways will be a priority; and one initiative already underway is the establishment of a Volunteer Police Cadets programme.
I fully support Commissioner David Lynch and Deputy Commissioner Elliott Forbes as they map out a clear vison of the future of the Force and the role they play as a valuable part of Anguillian society.
Anguilla has relatively low levels of crime regionally. However, the threats we face in tackling gun crime, violence and maintaining secure borders and with that human trafficking and the illegal entry of drugs and firearms continue to require our full attention. Accordingly, I will be establishing a National Security Council to ensure sufficient focus and join up across relevant entities on issues concerning crime and border security.
I am committed to championing the needs of the Royal Anguilla Police Force and building capability. In the past year, we secured UK government funding to build capacity within the Force through secondments and training, with significant gains already made in improving the technical skills of officers.
Trust however is key – community outreach, instilling confidence and the ability to adapt in building relationships remain core to the art of effective policing.
Making a difference, 50 years of service to the community – to each past and present member of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, congratulations on this momentous anniversary. I thank you for your service, the support of your families and pray for God’s continued protection as you work together in keeping Anguilla’s communities safe.
